Board
Mitch Porteous
CEO and Director
Urban strategist working across property, planning and community development. Mitch focuses on system design, infill delivery and the practical structures that help people shape their built and natural environments.
Mitch was also the project co-lead of the Queanbeyan Microforest.
Jo Abbot
Chair and Director
Senior finance executive with extensive experience across government and the private sector. Jo provides disciplined financial oversight and ensures strong, community-centred governance.
Jo is also the project lead of the Broulee Microforest.
Irene Zhen
Deputy Chair and Director
Program manager and innovation strategist with a background in law and finance. Irene supports organisational growth, investment readiness and long-term governance foundations.
Edwina Robinson
Director and Spokesperson
Landscape architect and early pioneer of community-led microforests in Australia. Edwina brings deep experience in urban greening, community engagement and site design.
She led the Downer and Moruya microforests and has provided design expertise across the first six microforests.
Jason Perelson
Director
Creative strategist with 25+ years shaping behaviour-led campaigns, brands and social impact projects. Jason brings strong capability in communications, partnerships and movement-building.
Leisa Quinn
Director
Fundraising and communications specialist with over a decade delivering high-impact campaigns across the not-for-profit sector. Leisa leads work across supporter growth and donor engagement.
Liz Adcock
Director
Digital strategist and designer focusing on biodiversity, conservation and community connection. Liz brings strong environmental design and user-centred expertise.
Liz was also the project co-lead of the Watson Microforest.
Purdie Bowden
Director
Sustainability professional working across finance and climate policy. Purdie combines policy expertise with a passion for community and nature play.
Purdie was also the project co-lead of the Watson Microforest.
- Board seat open
Could this be you?
Director
Help shape what Microforest Collective becomes next. We're looking for our ninth director to help grow microforests across Australia.
See the roleApplications close 15 November
Advisers
Rebecca Gredley-Porteous
Adviser
Strategic communications and media specialist with a background in journalism and a decade of experience shaping narratives across environment, climate and politics.
Bec was also the project co-lead of the Queanbeyan Microforest.
Cassady Mann
Adviser
Strategic marketer and creative problem-solver with a sharp instinct for understanding people: what motivates them, how to reach them, and what makes them act.
Cass provides insight on leader attraction strategy, bringing expertise across campaign design, employer brand, digital content and organisational storytelling.
- Adviser role open
Could this be you?
National schools adviser
Help bring a microforest to every school in Australia. We're looking for a senior education leader to open doors and guide our schools program's national rollout.
See the role
Join us
We're always glad to hear from people who want to help, as a volunteer, a local leader or a future board member. Get in touch and tell us what you'd like to do.